With an inexpensive camera add-on and an app to direct volunteers, scientists proved they could match, and in some cases, even exceed the pollution-tracking skill of current satellites and ground-based instruments.

According to NASA, citing EPA figures, 142 million people still live in areas in the U.S. with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Also, high levels of air pollution are a growing issue elsewhere, especially in parts of China, India and other developing nations.

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